Image: RLHyde (Flickr)

Kostume Karaoke
1942 11th St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 232-6590

If you take karaoke seriously, you should check out Kostume Karaoke on 11^th Street. Drunken theatre folks adorn themselves with props and costumes (provided by the club) on an elaborate stage for full-costume karaoke. This is not the place to go if you are shy. Kostume Karaoke has a lively singing crowd that likes to take things over the top. Get there early to get your name on the list, but even if you don’t get a chance to perform, you will undoubtedly have some laughs watching the free entertainment. Who doesn’t want to see a six foot tall burly man with a blond wig in a mini skirt singing a Dolly Parton song?

The EFN Lounge & Motley Bar
1318 9th St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 341-8281

Monday night may be an inconspicuous night for karaoke, but everyone in the local area knows that this is where the party is if you want to sing. While the EFN Lounge is primarily noted as a gay bar, it is frequented by a wide variety of clientele; younger, older, business people, drag queens and college students all seem to fit in here. This edgy, funky neighborhood bar is a great choice for karaoke goers to feel comfortable in front of a crowd.

Brass Monkey
2317 18th St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 667-7800

Located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood between N. Belmont Rd. and N. Kalorama Square, the Brass Monkey is kind of a dive, but true Karaoke fans know that hole-in-the-wall bars are sometimes preferable places to let loose and sing. The drinks are cheap, and they sometimes serve free pizza for the patrons. Head straight for the basement of this bar where it is usually packed on any given night with karaoke fans. The music selection is fairly decent, and as long as you tip the DJ, he will make sure that you get on the karaoke wait list.

Café Japone
2032 P St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 223-1573

Go back to karaoke’s Japanese roots and give Café Japone a try. From sushi to ramen to agedashi tofu, the menu offers a tasty variety of Japanese cuisine. The ambiance may strike some as a bizarre, “Lost-in-Translation” kind of club with black walls and purple sofas. The karaoke is more of a free-for-all rather than a well-organized waiting list. That can be a good thing, however –especially if you know what you are doing, want to take over the club and sing songs at the top of your lungs from a huge song book.

Recessions
1823 L St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 296-6686

Perhaps on the dingy side of karaoke bars, Recessions is a solid local cozy bar with cheap beer and the promise of a good time. Once you get past the seedy, motel-like entrance and make yourself comfortable, Recessions offers the complete local lounge experience and has an unassuming karaoke crowd if you need to brush up on your karaoke repertoire. You will not be disappointed with its robust song list.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Washington, D.C.

Image by: Patrick Haney (Flickr)

Twilight Tattoo
When: Wednesdays 7 p.m., May 5- 26 and June 2, 9, 23, 30
Where: Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free

Twilight Tattoo is The United States Army’s most popular outdoor ceremonial pageant that takes place in Washington, D.C. This hour-long military pageant features soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own.” The Soldiers in Twilight Tattoo represent all those serving around the world in defense of freedom. This free concert series is a great opportunity to experience American history through performances by The U.S. Army Blues, vocalists from The U.S. Army Band Downrange, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and The U.S. Army Drill Team.

Friday Evening Parades
When: Fridays 8:45 p.m., May 7 – August 27
Where: Marine Barracks, 8th & I Streets SE, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free

If you are the type to plan in advance, you can enjoy a free concert by the U.S. Marine Band, Silent Drill Team &Bugle Corps in the Marine Barracks by making reservations three weeks in advance to: The adjutant, Marine Barracks, 8th & Eye Streets, SE, Washington, D.C. 20390-5000. Guests without reservations can wait outside the Main Gate of the Barracks where they can try their luck at scoring unclaimed seats. John Philip Sousa is the famous marine band leader who made the U.S. Marine Band internationally famous. The Evening Parade expresses the dignity and pride that represents more than two centuries of heritage for all Americans.

The Smithsonia Folklife Festival
When: June 24–28 and July 1–5
Where: National Mall, between 7th and 14th Streets in Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free

Not only does the Smithsonian Folklife Festival have outdoor music, but you can browse the many attractions at this annual event sponsored each June and July by the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Celebrating cultural traditions around the world, The Folklife Festival includes daily music and dance performances, crafts and cooking exhibits, storytelling and discussions of cultural issues. The themes of the 2010 program will be: México Profundo: A Deeper Mexico, Asian Pacific American Connections and Smithsonian Inside Out.

The Capital Jazz Fest
When: June 4-6, 2010
Where: Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, located in the suburbs of D.C., in a lovely 40-acre natural wooded setting known as Symphony Woods.
Cost: Tickets range from $41.50 -$265.00

Join music lovers from around the country as they flock to the suburbs of Washington, D.C. to attend this weekend of cool jazz and soul. The Capital Jazz Fest is a multi-day, multi-stage outdoor music festival, which attracts jazz fans from all over the nation. Soak in the summer sun as you people-watch, eat, drink, mingle, relax on the gently-sloping lawns and of course, hear some great jazz music performed in the open-air covered pavilion.

National Memorial Day Concert
When: Sunday, May 30, 8:00-9:30pm
Where: West lawn, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free

The National Symphony Orchestra is a free concert that is broadcast LIVE on PBS. Performed on the eve of Memorial Day, the National Memorial Day Concert is a time to remember the sacrifices made by so many. This outdoor concert is a deeply moving tribute to the men and women who have given so much to preserve America’s freedoms.

A Capital Fourth Concert
When: Sunday, July 4, 8:00pm
Where: West lawn, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free

If you missed The National Symphony Orchestra’s Memorial Day performance, be sure to see the second of three outdoor holiday concerts on the U.S. Capitol west lawn on the Fourth of July. This free 90-minute concert will be broadcast live nationally on both PBS and NPR-member stations. Presented by the National Park Service, The concert will be capped off by a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with live cannon fire.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Washington D.C.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/pixalot

If you’re bored with movies, restaurants and bowling on Friday nights in Washington, D.C., venture out to a comedy club or comedy show at a theater instead. Tickets are often $25 or less per person, and you may see an up-and-coming comedian or an already well-known actor or actress.

Washington, D.C. has some of the nation’s best improvisational comedy clubs, where instead of performing a set routine, comedians act in response to the audience. If you’re tired of the same-old same-old, an improvisational act guarantees something fresh and funny every time.

In addition to improv comedy, D.C. also boasts excellent political humor, and you just might find yourself sitting next to a politician at the show. Check out the list of venues below if you want to shake up your weekend routine, but consider yourself warned: At any of these clubs or venues, only the brave dare to sit in the front rows.

DC Improv
What: DC Improv features national touring headliners, local celebrities, two showrooms and a full restaurant and bar. Or, join the comedy school and take classes for all skill levels on improvisational comedy, stand-up comedy, sketch writing, the comedy business and more.
Where: 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

Washington Improv Theater
What: Washington Improv Theater, or WIT, says its three aspects are shows, classes and community. Shows are unpredictable works of drama and comedy, and improve classes aim to increase awareness, skills and confidence for those who participate.
Where: 1835 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
What: If you want to take in a comedy show that may have never been seen before, Woolly Mammoth is the place for you. This theater company is a national leader in developing new plays; some are world premieres and some are just making their Washington, D.C. debut. However, Woolly Mammoth is not for the faint of heart, as the company prides itself on releasing edgy, often daring works.
Where: 641 D St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

Source
What: An experimental theater lab of sorts, Source hosts a variety of artists and performing arts groups. The 150-seat black box is intimate and flexible, and four theater companies, including Constellation Theatre Company, DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative and The In Series, rotate using the space.
Where: 1835 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Rendezvous Restaurant
What: This restaurant and lounge has comfortable vintage couches, good music and a laid-back vibe, but what gets the crowd going at Rendezvous is its improv nights, which happen to have no cover charge. Locals love the weekend DJs, drink specials and roomy, rarely-crowded interior.
Where: 2226 18th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Image: Wburris (Flickr)

What: Washington D.C. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: Sun., March 14, noon
Where: The parade will proceed down Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets NW in our nation’s capital.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the best-attended parades in Washington. The Parade through downtown D.C. lasts about 2.5 hours. This year’s parade theme is “The Irish That Built America.” The parade was started as an Irish community endeavor by the Irish American Club and is now held in cooperation with the National Capital Park Service. Complete with bands, public figures, dance groups and floats, this parade is for everyone. So take your family out and enjoy a well-planned event where everyone is Irish, at least for the day.

What: Leprechaun Lap
When: Sat., March 6, 1 – 9 p.m.
Where: The annual St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl begins at Mackey’s Public House at 1823 L St. NW, Washington, D.C.

The Leprechaun Lap is a charity-sponsored pub crawl that includes food and drink specials at Rumors, Sign of the Whale, the Front Page, McFadden’s, Porter’s, the Bottom Line, Recessions and the Madhatter. Be sure to register from 1-6 p.m. at Mackey’s on March 6. The cost is $10 with two cans of food to donate to a local charity and $13 without.

What: The National Shamrock Fest
When: Sat., March 13, 1 – 9 p.m.
Where: RFK Stadium, 2400 E. Capitol St. NE Washington, DC.

Complete with live music, food, drinks and dozens of activities for all ages, this street festival is great for the entire family. The Shamrock Fest is the largest Saint Patrick’s Day party in the region, featuring more than 40 live bands performing on seven stages. Enjoy a daylong festival of rock, Irish, blues, retro and folk music.

What: The Dubliner Irish Pub
When: March 17
Where: 520 N. Capitol St. NW, Washington, DC 20001

According to many D.C. locals, this is the place to be on St. Patrick’s Day. The Dubliner features live Irish entertainment seven nights a week, and a vast selection of beers, including some of their own. The Dubliner is packed with people on St. Patrick’s Day, who watch the street below on the open-air patio that faces Massachusetts Avenue. The pub food is surprisingly good. If you get a chance, you should try the fish and chips, but do not expect them to have much food available on St. Patrick’s Day. It will be standing room only, and the beer will be flowing heavily.

What: The Red Derby Bar
When: March 17
Where: 3718 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20010

If you are looking for a great Irish dive bar, here is one with cheap beer, cute servers and greasy yet delightful food. This bar is as quaint as it gets with board games and friendly patrons who may just buy you a drink. Established as a place to hang out, there are old movies projecting on the wall and the bartenders and wait staff are likely to sit down and have a drink with you. When you first walk in, you may feel like you have trespassed and entered a private club because there is no sign for this place from the street other than a red derby that hangs above the door. Located in Columbia Heights, this bar is not in the best of neighborhoods, but it is safe, well-lit and there is always a big crowd there. If you are feeling adventurous on St. Patty’s day this year, this is one cozy bar that is cheap, friendly and charming.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Washington, D.C.

The internet is full of pet blogs. Some exist simply to give you the pleasure of viewing cute, cuddly creatures while others keep you updated on pet news and health. No matter what your interests are or what kind of pet you own, there are several blogs on the web to meet your needs. We’ve selected 5 blogs that will give you the information you need and the cuteness you crave. Check out these Top 5 Pet Blogs:

1. Pet Finder’s Blog

This site allows you to search for pets all across the country. If you are looking for information on the adoption process and want to read success stories involving adoption, check out the blog on Petfinder. From discussing current issues in the pet world to what to do when adopting a pet, the Petfinder blog provides information for both new and experienced pet owners.

2. Dog Blog at Dogster

This blog is specifically about dogs, but the site offers other blogs as well including the Cat’s Meow and a Vet Blog. So, whether you’re a cat or dog lover, you can enjoy this site’s blogs. You’ll also find anything from pet health information and news to cute photos of cuddly pets and special giveaways.

3. PetMD

At PetMD.com, you get three blogs in one. “Haute or Not?” is a fun blog that reviews pet treats and products and has giveaways. This colorful blog is hard to resist. But, if you are looking for pet health information, you’ll also find the “Daily Vet blog” by Dr. Patty Khuly and the unofficial “Dogtown blog.”

4. PawNation

This blog can be found on AOL Living and offers a main blog as well as blogs specifically on dogs, cats, pet health, pets in the news, and toys and treats. From articles on “How to Give Your Dog a Pill” to “The Top 10 Pet Friendly Cities,” there’s information on every aspect of pet life. It’s a one stop shop for a variety of pet owners.

5. Cute Overload

If you just love cute animals, then this blog is for you. Whether you own a pet or not, you can enjoy the cute and funny photos of pets submitted by blog readers. It’s a bright, colorful blog to get lost in on your lunch break.

Photo by: dougwoods

So, whether you are trying to get information on adopting a pet to add a companion to your apartment or home or if you are concerned with news in the pet world, these five blogs are top resources to keep you informed.

Finding the perfect place to live in DC is hard enough, but finding a place that welcomes your furry friend can prove to be even more of a challenge. First off, the apartment has to allow dogs, and second, you don’t want the pet deposit to break the bank. Here are a few apartments that allow pets in Washington DC:

Park Triangle Apartments
Bedroom: Studio-2
Rates: $1515-$3000
Dogs and Cats accepted

Benjamin Warder Mansion
Bedroom: 1-2
Rates: $1500-$2900
Dogs and Cats accepted
$350 pet deposit

View at Waterfront Apartments
Bedroom: Studio-2
Rates: $1425-$2775
Weight Restriction 75lbs
$250 pet deposit

Westbrooke Place Apartments
Bedroom: Studio-2
Rates: $1850-$3190
Large pets welcome

Brookland Ridge Apartments
Bedroom: 1-2
Rates: $1425-$1585
Pet deposit $200
$20 monthly pet rent

So, before you sign a lease for a Washington DC apartment, make sure pets are welcome. Your pet is your best friend. You don’t want to forget their needs when looking for a new apartment.

DC Dog Parks

Here are a few dog-friendly places to check out in DC. Grab your pooch and the leash and get out there.

1. Chesapeake Bay Gateway Network National Park
2. C & O Canal Towpath
3. Capital Crescent Trail
4. National Arboretum
5. Rock Creek Park
6. Congressional Cemetery
7. Glover Park Dog Park
8. Lincoln Park

Photo by: Peter Hilton

Forget the long lines

Technology’s greatest gift is the ability to do your holiday shopping online in the comforts of your own home. Taking advantage of online shopping is perhaps the biggest way to relieve stress during the holiday season. Rather than spending time driving to the mall, hunting down a parking space, and waiting in a line that never moves, use your keyboard for all it’s worth and do your shopping at home. Just make sure to allow time for shipping.

Make a list check it twice

The biggest time consumer during the holiday shopping season is heading to the mall with no idea what you’re looking for. Save yourself, and your feet, by preparing a list of gift ideas for each person before leaving your house. List a few ideas for each person in case your first option isn’t available.

Photo by: countrygal845

Take it as it comes

Another stressful event associated with the holidays is wrapping gifts. People have a tendency to let wrapping wait till the last minute. Since most holiday parties are in the days leading up to a holiday, leaving your wrapping till the last minute only leaves you even more crunched for time. But, wrapping as you go makes wrapping gifts far less of a laborious task and will leave you more time to enjoy the holiday party scene.

Take a personal day

A big part of holiday stress is that most people tend to do their holiday shopping around the same time – after work and on the weekends. After a long day at work, the last thing you’ll want to do is spend time looking for gifts among the legions of other shoppers. If possible, take a weekday off from work and head out early to do some shopping. Lines won’t be nearly as long and you can take all the time you’d like.

Don’t overbook yourself

In part because of the stress associated with the holiday season, lots of people love to attend holiday parties to unwind and have fun. But, too many parties can greatly cut into your relaxation time – time you need to avoid holiday season burnout. While it’s great to see family and friends, don’t overbook yourself on the holiday social scene. You’ll likely need rest more than you need another night of eggnog and holiday cheer.

Spend time with the kids

While taking the kids on holiday shopping trips typically only adds to the holiday stress, make sure you make time to spend with your kids during the holidays. Kids enjoy the holiday season more than anyone else, and their youthful enthusiasm will likely put a smile on your face and provide a nice change of pace.

So keep these holiday stress tips in mind this season. Remember the holidays are to be spent with friends and family. So, throw in a DVD and spend a day baking cookies or decorating the tree at your DC apartment, and you’ll see why it’s all worth it in the long run.

Easy Apartment Searching

AllHomes.com is the one stop shopping way of finding every apartment that fits your preference in any neighborhood in Washington DC. It’s also very straightforward and easy to use:

1. Go to AllHomes.com.
2. Enter where you want to live or select a metro from the drop down menu.
3. Narrow your search by distance, price range, bedrooms, and amenities in the right sidebar.
4. Click on the icons on the map or the list of properties on the left sidebar.
5. You can even search homes, private rentals, and foreclosures as well!

Walkability

Sometimes you may find a place that looks promising but you don’t know anything about the specific neighborhood. This is where
Walk Score really helps out. You can discover exactly how ‘walkable’ different neighborhoods really are.

The website evaluates neighborhoods based on the number of schools, markets, restaurants and other necessities within walking distance of a given address. If the neighborhood has a high Walk Score, you know that you will have all your basic needs met with just a quick walk.

Best Places to Live

The last place online to find neighborhood information just might also be the best. Sperling’s Best Places to Live in America is a compilation of data from many reputable sources that evaluates cities and areas based on set criteria.

With Best Places you can search online with a zip code or city name and find important information like the cost of living. It also evaluates other data such as the education system, the crime statistics, home prices and more. Deciding between two areas? Compare them side-by-side and see how they stack up. Best Places is available for search online at.

Hopefully, by the time you’re done on these websites your apartment search will be that much closer to being done and you will have a great start to the new year in your new place.

• Endurance
• Strength
• Flexibility

Simple Ways To keep Kids Active and Get Them Fit

• Join a recreational program or youth sports team in the DC area.
• Play games that require physical activity like a scavenger hunt.
• Combine exercise with something they already love to do, like playing video games.
• Have them make up a dance routine to their favorite songs with friends.
• Buy them a bike as a reward for good grades or doing chores.
• Incorporate it in daily tasks you already do. Let them walk the dog in the mornings.

One of the simplest ways to teach your kids about healthy lifestyles and fitness is to lead by example. Join the coaching staff of their little league team, for example. Just get involved and participate with them.

Hollywood gossip about movie stars, rock stars, socialites, and athletes have always been big business because the public is so interested in how these people live their lives. Today internet blogs have completely changed the industry. You don’t have to wait for those weekly tabloid magazine issues. If you jump online, there they are just a click away.

Get all the dish on your favorite celebrities on these salacious websites! They feature the latest celebrity news, pictures, and videos on your favorite Hollywood stars. So if you’re one of those people who need real-time, albeit invasive, gossip on the celebs, here are some sites you have to check out.

• Dlisted.com
• PerezHilton.com
• TMZ.com
• EOnline.com
• Bossip.com
• MSN Entertainment
• MWZA.com

Photo By: insert stereotypical label here